Fantastic 4

Is bathing in cosmic rays as fantastic as it should be? Our Review.

Each hero has a different color, so only that particular hero can perform a specific action. So, instead of lifting up a truck to throw at an enemy as the Thing, you'll need to stand in front of the truck, initiate the mini-game by pressing a button, then tap "A" rapidly to fill up a meter. Only then will you watch the Thing do his, uh, thing

All four champsions needs to perform a mini-game at some time or another to clear obstacles and maneuver the environment too, but none of them are very fun and most don't make sense within the context of the game. During one sequence, for example, Mr. Fantastic needs to navigate a series of platforms. Instead of stretching him to safety yourself, you simply stand on a beacon and press a button to watch him do it.

In one extreme example, you need to use each hero to save a fire truck from plummeting into the ocean. Only you don't really do anything, just send each hero to the right beacon, perform the mini-games, and watch as they save the day. Sections like these only emphasize the lack of freedom you have with a hero's superpowers. It would have been far cooler to perform these heroic deeds than just play the role of spectator. Imagine playing Spider-Man 2 to see that you could only swing when standing in the right spot, and then, only watching Spidey swing as you sat there. It's just nowhere near as immersive as it needs to be.

Fantastic 4 includes a slew of unlockable extras. Comic fans will spaz over the covers, concept art and bios available. What's more, you can unlock video cast interviews of everyone in the movie, plus an interview with creator Stan Lee as he plays the game and offers his impressions. In addition to all this, you can unlock two bonus stages by finishing the game on Medium and Hard.

There are also Arena Fights, where you and a friend can battle different enemy types (of your choice) in a practice room or in Survival Mode, where you need to fight waves of enemies. You can only use the powers and combos you've unlocked in the main game, and it handles very much the same, with you switching between the four characters using the D-Pad.

The Verdict

Fantastic 4 is a passable action game with some interesting ideas. The
action feels solid and the co-op mode offers an intersting twist. The
team work aspect, even in single player, delivers something you won't
find in most action brawlers. There's also plenty of variety in terms of
enemy design and special moves, but it sometimes feels cosmetic. Still,
you can't help but feel there's something missing in Fantastic 4. All the
characters and powers are here, as are the villains from the movie and
comic. Yet much of the game just doesn't make you feel (cough,
cough) fantastic. You can't run around stretching from room to room
as Mr. Fantastic, for example, and while the Human Torch can hover,
he never really takes flight. As for the Thing, he can smash vases and
cars at will, but that's pretty much it. Any heavy lifting or mass
destruction requires you to stop, stand in the right spot and play a
mini-game. All this does is rob from the experience. Heroes don't stop
before they do stuff; they just do it. In short, rent this one first.